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Bird-friendly Communities

Eastern Bluebirds enjoy nesting in open grassy areas. Place nestboxes before March 1 whereas they are among the first to arrive in Spring.

Bird populations continue to decline worldwide. Habitat loss is one of the main threats to endangered and common species of birds. Audubon at Home (AAH) is a National Audubon Society program that grew out of this concern for bird populations. There are actions that we can take as individuals, families, neighborhoods and towns to provide suitable habitat for birds and other wildlife, while improving our own lives.

Almost 60% of land in Connecticut is forested. Sprawl and development threaten what is left. Development patterns also threaten water supplies, agricultural lands and suburban and rural communities. Whether you live in an urban, suburban or rural community in Connecticut you will find yourself connected to the land.

The goal of the AAH program in CT is to inspire people to incorporate conservation actions into their daily lives by providing the support and resources necessary to do so, in order to conserve birds, wildlife and habitat.

The 5 Principles of Audubon At Home

1) Eliminate or Reduce Pesticide Use

Overuse of pesticides and other household chemicals can have detrimental effects on environmental and public health. Often we are unaware of the risks. Be an informed consumer and choose to use these products more carefully to protect your family and backyard wildlife. Learn More

2) Plant Native Species

Gardens with native plants are attractive & often easier to care for.

Native plants naturally occur in a particular region. They have evolved over thousands of years to that region's climate, hydrology and geography. Many animal species depend on native plants for survival. There are many benefits to using native plants in your garden and for landscaping purposes. They are cost effective, good for the environment and wildlife and beautiful! Learn More

3) Remove Exotic Invasive Plants

Invasive plants are non-native plants that cause environmental or economic harm to a region. They can alter the way plants, animals, water and soil interact within native ecosystems. Removing invasive plants is time consuming and costly. Avoid using invasive plants and learn more about the top invasive plants in Connecticut. Learn More

4) Conserve Water

Billions of gallons of water are used daily in the United States. Rarely do we consider where it comes from. Most of our water use goes to landscaping practices and other household uses. Learning how conserving water now will help protect this finite resource in the future. Learn More

5) Protect Water Quality

All street drains in Connecticut lead to nearby rivers that drain into Long Island Sound.

We all contribute to water pollution in some way. Runoff from streets, parking lots and other impervious surfaces as well as runoff from yards, which can contain pesticides, fertilizers and even pet waste are considered non-point source pollutants. Eventually this waste drains into the Long Island sound and other bodies of water in Connecticut. Learn how you can reduce your impact. Learn More

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QUESTIONS ABOUT "AUDUBON AT HOME" RESOURCES & INITIATIVES?

Call the 'Audubon @Home' Coordinator in Connecticut at 203-869-5272 x236.